Abstract: Medical device data is transferred using a universal adaptor between an implanted medical device and hospital monitoring systems. The universal adaptor is an interface compatible with various built-in hospital monitoring network comprised of equipment from a variety of manufacturers. The universal adaptor includes a telemetry circuitry, a calibration system for atmospheric pressure and an analog interface. The calibration system relates to barometric correction and includes an external pressure reference system.

Abstract: An implantable barometric pressure sensor coupled with an implantable medical device (IMD) provides a barometric pressure related, reference pressure value for use in combination with an absolute pressure value measured by an implantable absolute pressure sensor coupled to the IMD. In one embodiment, the barometric pressure sensor is implanted under the skin and subcutaneous tissue layer at or near the implant site of the IMD. In variations of this embodiment, the barometric pressure is formed as part of a connector module of the IMD or extends from the connector module. In a further embodiment, a percutaneous access device is provided which is adapted to be implanted to extend through the skin and subcutaneous tissue layer of the patient and is coupled with the barometric pressure sensor to provide for an air chamber extending between the atmosphere and the barometric pressure sensor.

Abstract: A barometric pressure sensor for deriving reference pressure data for use in combination with absolute pressure data derived by an implantable medical device (IMD) is disclosed. The barometric pressure sensor is located in a sensing module adapted to be located with the patient's body having a module housing enclosing an air chamber which encloses the barometric pressure sensor. An air vent extends through the module housing for venting the air chamber to atmospheric pressure outside the module housing. A protective vent cover extends across the air vent formed of a material capable of air passage and capable of inhibiting passage of moisture, liquids, and particulate contaminants through the air vent and into the air chamber. In one embodiment, the sensing module is adapted to be worn or carried by the patient and includes operating circuitry and a power supply for powering the barometric pressure sensor and periodically storing sensed atmospheric pressure values as reference pressure data.

Abstract: An implantable barometric pressure sensor coupled with an implantable medical device (IMD) provides a barometric pressure related, reference pressure value for use in combination with an absolute pressure value measured by an implantable absolute pressure sensor coupled to the IMD. In one embodiment, the barometric pressure sensor is implanted under the skin and subcutaneous tissue layer at or near the implant site of the IMD. In variations of this embodiment, the barometric pressure is formed as part of a connector module of the IMD or extends from the connector module. In a further embodiment, a percutaneous access device is provided which is adapted to be implanted to extend through the skin and subcutaneous tissue layer of the patient and is coupled with the barometric pressure sensor to provide for an air chamber extending between the atmosphere and the barometric pressure sensor.

Abstract: A sensor lead for use in conjunction with an implantable monitoring or therapeutic device. The lead is provided with a V-shaped bend near its distal end, and carries a blood parameter sensor distal to the V-shaped bend. The blood parameter sensor may be, for example, an oxygen sensor, a pulse sensor or a flow sensor. The V-shaped bend facilitates the location of the sensor in an internal jugular vein, allowing the sensor to be used to monitor blood flow from the brain.

Abstract: An implantable cardioverter/defibrillator provided with method and apparatus for discrimination between ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. The device is provided with two pairs of electrodes, each pair of electrodes coupled to processing circuitry for identifying a predetermined fiducal point in the electrical signal associated with a ventricular depolarization. The cumulative beat to beat variability of the intervals separating the two identified fiducal points, over a series of detected depolarizations is analyzed. The result of this analysis is used to distinguish between ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation.

Abstract: An implantable cardioverter/defibrillator provided with method and apparatus for discrimination between ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. The device is provided with two pairs of electrodes, each pair of electrodes coupled to processing circuitry for identifying a predetermined fiducal point in the electrical signal associated with a ventricular depolarization. The cumulative beat to beat variability of the intervals separating the two identified fiducal points, over a series of detected depolarizations is analyzed. The result of this analysis is used to distinguish between ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation.